Sweet Potato Wine Dinner at NC State University Club

The sweet potato was designated as the official State Vegetable by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1995, and an annual tradition at the NC State University Club is a specially prepared meal that incorporates sweet potatoes into each course with a delicious wine to accompany.  To add to the ambiance of the dinner last evening, the Paul Ingbretsen Trio Jazz Band provided gentle music.

The Hors D'oeuvres: Sweet Potato and Beet Chips with Rosemary-Garlic Salt and Buttermilk Dressing; Crispy Pancetta Cups with Sweet Potato-Apple Hash; Domestic Cheese Board

First Course: Sweet Potato Waldorf, Baby Greens, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Second Course:  Pan Seared Sea Scallop, Bonita Sweet Potato Grits Cake, Grape Tomato Confit, Chive Butter

Third Course: Lemon Sorbet

Fourth Course: Bourbon Braised American Waygu Beef Short Rib, Red Sweet Potato Cake, Pan Roasted Asparagus

Fifth Course:  Sweet Potato-Gingerbread Waffle, Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote, Spiced Rum Butter creme Frosting.

The dinner was absolutely delicious.  And after dinner, there were door prizes.  Our friend, Mary, won a stuffed Mr. Sweet Potato, and I won a 10 lb bag of sweet potatoes.

Mary and her door prize, Mr. Sweet Potato.

Lunch at Lawson's Landing Riverwalk Cafe

Lawson's Landing Cafe.

Lawson's Landing Cafe in NC History Center.

When I visited the North Carolina History Center last week in New Bern, I had lunch at Lawson's Landing Riverwalk Cafe, a contemporary cafe in the History Center that overlooks the Trent River.

I had a bowl of cream of crab soup with a toasted croissant.  It was delicious.  And for dessert I had a piece of Red Velvet Cheesecake.  Very good.

Red Velvet cheesecake.

There are beautiful views out over the Trent River.  It's a nice place to have a light lunch or dinner and they also serve breakfast.

Wine and Cheese at the North Carolina History Center

The North Carolina History Center (Photo from their website.)

Wine and Cheese reception for antique dealers.

During the Antique Show in New Bern last week, Tryon Palace invited the antique dealers to a wine and cheese reception that included a tour of one of the exhibits in the North Carolina History Center and a lecture by Laura Crockett of the Antiques Roadshow.

Director Kay Williams introducing the group to the exhibits in the History Center.

Kay William, Director of Tryon Palace and the History Center, gave a brief introduction to the various exhibits in the Center, and we had a special tour of the exhibition "Connecting through Collecting".

Architectural elements in "Connecting through Collecting" exhibit.

   

Lecture by Laura Crockett of Brunk Auctions and Antiques Roadshow.

The highlight of the evening for me was the lecture by Laura Crockett of the Antiques Roadshow.  Through an entertaining slide show, she suggested ways that we antique dealers can educate young people on how to incorporate antiques to fit into their interior design.  Many young people today are choosing furnishings from Renovation Hardware, Pottery Barn and IKEA, for example.  Yet Crockett gave numerous examples of how to use antiques and vintage items in contemporary ways.

Sandy Point Cottage in New Bern, NC

Sandy Point Cottage in New Bern.

We have spent this week in Nick and Missy Mathews' Sandy Point Cottage in New Bern while I attended, as a dealer,  the New Bern Antique Show.  The cottage is situated on the Neuse River with a beautiful view of the New Bern skyline across the way. We've had a kind of mini-vacation here.

Front of cottage.

Back of cottage.

Nick and Missy's boat.

Bridge across the Trent River.

Bottle tree in Mathews' yard.

Beautiful sink in one of the bathrooms of Sandy Point Cottage.

We enjoyed our stay here in Sandy Point Cottage and in New Bern.

Happy Valentine's Day